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Enrage: meaning, definitions and examples

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enrage

 

[ɪnˈreɪdʒ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

feeling intense anger

To enrage means to make someone very angry or furious. It is an extreme emotion that can be triggered by certain actions, words, or situations. When someone is enraged, they may lose control of their emotions and act irrationally. Enraging someone can have serious consequences and should be avoided whenever possible.

Synonyms

anger, incense, infuriate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
enrage

Used when someone experiences extreme anger, often leading to a strong reaction. This term indicates a higher intensity of anger than 'anger'.

  • The decision to fire him enraged his coworkers.
  • The unfair ruling enraged the entire crowd.
infuriate

Used for situations when someone is made extremely angry to the point of being nearly uncontrollable. This term often implies a gradual build-up of intense anger.

  • His constant lies infuriated her.
  • The delays at the airport infuriated the passengers.
anger

Used to describe a general feeling of displeasure or annoyance. This term is neutral and can fit in both mild and severe situations.

  • His comments angered many people.
  • She couldn't hide her anger after hearing the news.
incense

Used when someone is made extremely angry, often due to an action or comment that is perceived as highly offensive or unjust.

  • Her rude remark incensed the entire group.
  • They were incensed by the government's decision.

Examples of usage

  • His careless remarks enrage her every time.
  • The unfair treatment of the workers enrage the union members.
  • The decision to cut down the ancient trees enrage environmental activists.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Old French 'enragier,' meaning 'to make mad' or 'to infuriate.'
  • It is formed by the prefix 'en-' which means 'to cause to be' and 'rage,' which is strong anger.
  • The term entered the English language around the late 15th century, reflecting a growing interest in emotional expressions.

Psychology

  • Anger is a basic human emotion that can trigger a fight-or-flight response when provoked.
  • When people are enraged, their heart rate and adrenaline levels can rise significantly, preparing the body for action.
  • Understanding triggers of rage is important in conflict resolution and emotional management.

Literature

  • Enraged characters often drive plots in literature, creating conflict that propels a story forward.
  • Classic works like Shakespeare’s 'Othello' explore themes of jealousy and rage, showcasing the destructive impacts of unchecked emotions.
  • Heroic narratives often feature an enraged protagonist facing a greater evil, revealing the complexity of their character.

Pop Culture

  • Films like 'Fury' and 'The Incredible Hulk' depict characters who become increasingly enraged, emphasizing themes of loss and identity.
  • Video games often use rage as a gameplay mechanic, where players gain more power when they are angry, allowing for strategic advantages.
  • Music genres like punk rock often express themes of rage and rebellion against societal norms, resonating with younger audiences.

Social Dynamics

  • Public outbursts fueled by rage can influence social movements, as seen in protests when people express collective anger against injustices.
  • In interpersonal relationships, unresolved anger can lead to communication breakdown and conflict, highlighting the importance of emotional awareness.
  • Cultural attitudes toward expressing rage vary, with some societies encouraging open expressions while others promote restraint.

Translations

Translations of the word "enrage" in other languages:

🇵🇹 enfurecer

🇮🇳 क्रोधित करना

🇩🇪 erzürnen

🇮🇩 memarahi

🇺🇦 розлюти

🇵🇱 rozgniewać

🇯🇵 激怒させる

🇫🇷 énerver

🇪🇸 enfurecer

🇹🇷 öfkelenmek

🇰🇷 격분시키다

🇸🇦 يغضب

🇨🇿 rozzlobit

🇸🇰 rozzúriť

🇨🇳 激怒

🇸🇮 razjeziti

🇮🇸 reiða

🇰🇿 ашуландыру

🇬🇪 გაბრაზება

🇦🇿 qəzəbləndirmək

🇲🇽 enfurecer

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,646 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.